Newsmakers

Signed The Houston Astros have signed veteran Carlos Pena to be their designated hitter, addressing a key need as they prepare for their first season in the American League. The 34-year-old Pena, who spent last season in his second stint with Tampa Bay, hit .197 with 19 home runs and 61 RBIs in 2012. Terms were not released Monday. Pena had the best seasons of his career in his first stint with the Rays from 2007-2010 when he had at least 100 RBIs in three of those four seasons.

Announced West Virginia’s record-breaking receiver, Stedman Bailey, is forgoing his final season to enter the NFL draft. Bailey will end his college career owning the majority of West Virginia’s receiving records after three full seasons. The junior finished the 2012 regular season with 106 receptions, 1,501 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns, and was a second-team All-American.

Hired Former California running game coordinator Ron Gould has been hired as head coach at UC Davis. Athletic director Terry Tumey announced that Gould would replace Bob Biggs, who retired after the 2012 season. Six of Cal’s top 10 all-time rushers played under Gould, including Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch.

• Western Michigan has hired 32-year-old Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant P.J. Fleck, making him the youngest coach in the Football Bowl Subdivision, according to a person familiar with the decision. Fleck has worked for Bucs coach Greg Schiano the past three years. Fleck was the receivers coach at Rutgers before following Schiano to Tampa Bay this season to do the same job.

Granted The NCAA has granted Cincinnati senior quarterback Brendon Kay an extra season of eligibility, giving the Bearcats a proven passer heading into their first year under coach Tommy Tuberville. Oft-injured, Kay was limited to six career games heading into this season.